In keeping with the leadership skills and passionate commitment for childbearing women and families that Marie Goubran, ICM Secretary General 1987-1990, shared with the world, this memorial award was established to recognize midwives in countries with special needs and limited funding opportunities, who demonstrate similar leadership and commitment.

ICM partnered with Johnson & Johnson to ensure the continuation of the Marie Goubran Agent of Change Award, as well as increase the frequency from triennial to annual awards, to encourage midwives, who act as catalysts for change in healthy baby development in the antenatal and postnatal period and the first few weeks of life. The focus on healthy baby development was chosen because high mortality rates for children under the age of 5 are still a major problem in many countries. A child's risk of dying is highest in the neonatal period, the first 28 days of life. 45% of child deaths under the age of 5 take place during the neonatal period. Therefore, safe childbirth and effective neonatal care are essential to prevent these deaths, especially in low or low to middle resources countries.

The nominee Nominees must meet the following criteria to be considered for the Marie Goubran Agent of Change Award: 1. Be a midwife according to the ICM International Definition of a Midwife. 2. Be a member of an ICM member association unless no member association exists in that country. 3. Resident of a low or low to middle resource country where s/he practices midwifery 4. Demonstrated visionary leadership, and raises the profile of midwives as agents for change.

The proposal The proposal must meet the following criteria to be considered for the Marie Goubran Agent of Change Award: 1. Raise the profile of midwives as agents for change 2. Advance innovative education and practice approaches in healthy baby development 3. Inspire other midwives toward ways to impact their own communities and/or adapt approaches for their own context 4. Presents a detailed proposal for use of the award monies, maximum 4 pages.

Award and award winners From 2016 to 2018, an award will be offered annually; and will be announced at either an ICM Regional Conference or Triennial Congress.

Winners will receive: • Financial support up to US$ 4,000 to encourage and promote the development of their project. • Full sponsorship for the ICM Regional Conference or Triennial Congress where (s)he will be recognised during the award ceremony. • The opportunity to share the project during the ICM Regional Conference or Triennial Congress.

Completed Nominations must include the following: • The nomination form • A current CV or Resume (maximum of 2 pages) • A short bio of your career and practice as a midwife (maximum 500 words) • Detailed proposal (maximum 4 pages) • Action Plan • Budget

IMPORTANT NOTE: INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED/REVIEWED

When and how to submit Please submit your completed submission package for the Marie Goubran Agent of Change Award, via email, to awards@internationalmidwives.org by 18 May 2018. Please write "Submission for Marie Goubran Agent of Change Award" in the subject line of your email.

If you do not have access to email, then please mail your completed submission to: International Confederation of Midwives C/O Marie Goubran Award Submission Laan van Meerdervoort 70 2517 AN, The Hague The Netherlands